Which is the best thermostat?

I am thinking of getting ranco thermostats, but i heard Helix are also very good, any opinions, or suggestions.

It really depends on what you are looking for, how much you are willing to spend, and the use. Here is a good comparison chart (and great site to purchase thermostats from): http://www.mgreptiles.com/THERMOCOMPARE.html

What are you planning on running off of the thermostat?

for a rack system i'd go with helix. for a single cage/tank a ranco is fine, i use them for my chondro.


vaughn

I've been using Helix for almost 10 years and have NEVER had a problem with a single unit ... can't say the same for other brands of thermostats that I have tried.

IMO, Helix is really the best choice ... most of the top ball python breeders are using them for a reason. ;)

-adam

I'd vote for Helix also, all though I love my Herpstats. Hey Adam, do the Freedom Breeders come with a Helix?

FB come with a ranco.. I would not use a Helix stat, I prefer the herpstats...
Helix 129.99
Herpstat 108.99
Honestly if you just need somethng to run a rack or cage then the Johnson Controls, they are one of the best thermostats out there.. The company was named one of 50 best manufacturing companies this year..

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jglass38

I'd vote for Helix also, all though I love my Herpstats. Hey Adam, do the Freedom Breeders come with a Helix?

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FB's come with Rancos. The profit margins for resellers are 2 - 3 times higher on Ranocs and Johnsons than Helix's so it makes sense that FB would pick the cheapest.

The good news is that if you tell Jesse at FB that you're going to be using a helix, he'll keep the Ranco and credit you for it. I usually have him throw in an extra 3" heat panel for the bottom level and a 48" power strip to strap to the back of the rack vertically and plug each level into.

-adam

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Adam_Wysocki

I usually have him throw in an extra 3" heat panel for the bottom level and a 48" power strip to strap to the back of the rack vertically and plug each level into.

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Why an extra heat panel for the bottom level? Because it is near the cold floor and you need to keep temps up?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by daniel1983

Why an extra heat panel for the bottom level? Because it is near the cold floor and you need to keep temps up?

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Yes sir. I also attach some 1/2" rigid insulation to the bottom of the lowest level. Keeps the temps within 1 degree between the top box and the bottom box.

I wish I could say I thought of it, but I've gotta give Ralph and Pete credit for that one.

-adam

ha ha....good idea...I might need to do something like that for the new rack....just sent Matt an email to see if I can send him more money ;)

i've never got the johnsons to go more accurate than 2 deg. they seem to have a 2 deg. diff no matter how you set them up. the rancos have a true one deg. differential setting. as for the absolute best i'd go with helix, it has been around alot longer and is very stable. i chose helix for my incubator.


vaughn

Johnsons, rancos, herpstats and helix are all going to give you what you need.. For a bator like Kav said then you best best is to go proportional(helix, herpstat, HCS or BAH).. For a normal cage setup then a johnson controls or ranco will be fine. As for the priceing, the profit on a ranco or a helix is exactly the same so I dont think FB is selling them because they make tons of money on them.. They sell them because they are a reliable thermostat and a decent price...

question for you...

http://www.mgreptiles.com/ZOOSTAT.html

i know you've put this as a "3 out of 5" - this is all i've been able to find in my area... will it work for one snake? because honestly if we get another snake, it'll probably be housed in my son's room downstairs... so something for multiple enclosures won't be needed. (she says with a whince as she knows she's probably fooling ONLY herself)

Well they are not the best of thermostats thats for sure.. I recommend them mainly for use on roach colonies or as a back up unit. Many many people use them with success but I have also head of failures!!!! I would go with a Johnson Controls or Rancos if at all possible..

(just subscribing to this thread)

....the lack of the digital temperature reading also makes those Zoostats a pain...IMO...it is simply worth the money for a johnson or ranco just for the digital temp readout......the extra reliability is a bonus ;)

so if you have one, you don't need a thermometer... right?

No you will still need some digital thermometers to monitor temps throughout the cage...

wow, so many posts, thanx everyone, well how Im thinking of using a rack system, and in the future an incubator, from what I have read I think Ill go with Helix.